Kasbo Builds a Sonic Sanctuary With New Album, "The Learning
of Urgency"
In an era where time slips through our fingers like sand, Kasbo's new album, The Learning of Urgency, is a timely message to pause.
Kasbo's third LP is his most reflective work to date, a testament to a profound shift in perspective. After grappling with stress-induced hearing loss in 2019, he took a four-year hiatus to craft an album that rejects the pervasive "rise and grind" mentality of today’s society.
"I feel that it's just a product of the internet, and it being so readily available for us at all times," Kasbo tells EDM.com. "The communication of culture overall is so fast, and through that things get old quickly. That in turn forces everyone to keep producing the next new thing."
"For me the album became a tool in slowing down and I think musically you can see it be reflected at a few different points," he continues. "Some sections might linger for a bit longer, give you time to breathe, or just build this big tension that give you this release and feeling of your shoulders finally being able to come down."
The titular track, "The Learning of Urgency," ruminates on societal pressures to constantly do more, its contemplative nature encouraging us to slow down and savor the present. Dan Whitlam’s words, intertwined with melancholic melodies, evoke a sense of tranquility and introspection, making it the perfect cornerstone to an album rooted in mindfulness.
In "Resenären," Kasbo takes us on a seven-minute odyssey through progressive house with invigorating beats that pulse like a heartbeat at rest and then in motion. This track showcases his fascination with euphoric club music, which emerged from his deep dive into DJing during his time away from touring. The journey unfolds with layers of sound that evoke both a sense of nostalgia and forward momentum, capturing the essence of dance music’s power to unify and elevate.
Elsewhere, "Atlantis" sees Kasbo and Shallou creating sonics for a serene underwater soundscape. The track's shimmering synths and gentle rhythms mimic the ebb and flow of waves, offering a sonic refuge from the chaos above. It’s a meditation on finding peace and clarity beneath the surface of daily life, urging us to dive deep into moments of introspection and calm.
Throughout The Learning of Urgency, Kasbo masterfully intertwines his personal journey with universal themes, ultimately creating a narrative that speaks to the pressures of modern life. Through its ethereal soundscapes and pensive songwrting, he leaves us with a gentle reminder to pause, breathe and find beauty in the stillness.
"I don't necessarily think I'm going to solve anyone's issue in dealing with this 'hurry sickness' but I think music can be a tool in slowing down," he adds. "It is for me at least."
Listen to The Learning of Urgency below and find the new album on streaming platforms here.
Follow Kasbo:
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Facebook: facebook.com/kasbomusic
Spotify: spoti.fi/30YH4Ho
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